Advice from Peterborough travel company Thomas Cook as it cancels all Sharm el Sheikh flights and holidays

Paul Fisher

Peterborough based travel giant Thomas Cook has cancelled all holidays to Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt in the wake of the Russian Metrojet disaster.

After the UK Government stepped in to ground all British flights from the holiday resort last night, Thomas Cook has cancelled its flight and holiday programme to Sharm el Sheikh up to and including Thursday November 12.

The Bretton based company confirmed that it has noted the (FCO) Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s decision to advise against all but essential air travel to Sharm el Sheikh airport with immediate effect.

A statement from Thomas Cook said: “The health and safety of our customers and staff is our absolute priority, and we will be seeking to bring all 1,700 customers currently in resort back to the UK in due course.

“Given that no UK flights will be operating in or out of Sharm el Sheikh on Thursday November 5, we have made arrangements for any customers due to return home today to remain in their accommodation free of charge.

“Our team in destination are dedicated to ensuring that all customers are as comfortable as possible until such a time as they fly home.”

Thomas Cook is offering customers due to travel to Sharm el Sheikh up to and including Thursday November 12 the opportunity to cancel or re-book their holiday free of charge, offering a £25 discount per person on the alternative holiday booked. Booking conditions are as normal for travel after that date, pending further FCO advice.

Any customers wishing to amend or cancel their booking should visit their local Thomas Cook or The Co-operative Travel store or call our dedicated customer hotline, 01733 224536.

This is for: Customers who have any concerns regarding their friends or family returning from resort or any customers with future bookings to Sharm el Sheikh who wish to amend or cancel their booking.

A dedicated line for Travel agent enquiries has also been set up - 01733 224 520 and Thomas Cook has made extra staff available in Peterborough to answer calls.